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Minnesota state Representative for District 55 (1955-1958) first elected from the conservative caucus and representing Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Sherburne counties.  Held several positions in Pease, Minnesota including mayor, councilman, and school board member.

Discusses family history.  Transcript is incomplete.

One tape

https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/legpol_oh/2/ [13647]

Biographical information: C. Elmer Anderson was born on March 16, 1912, in Brainerd, Minn. He was the seventh of nine children born to Swedish immigrants. He married Lillian Otterstad in 1937 and the couple had three children. Before entering politics, Anderson owned a newspaper and magazine distribution company. Anderson, a Republican, was elected Minnesota lieutenant governor in 1938 at age 26 and served from 1938 to 1942 and from 1944 to 1951. When Minnesota Governor Luther Youngdahl was appointed a federal judge in 1951, Anderson became governor. He was elected governor in 1952, defeating Orville Freeman, a Democrat. In the 1954 election, he was defeated by Freeman. In 1956, Anderson ran for Minnesota Secretary of State and lost in his last bid for statewide office. He would later serve as mayor of Nisswa, Minnesota from 1961 to 1965 and nearby Brainerd from 1975 to 1986. Freeman died on January 22, 1998, in Brainerd.

Transcript summary: In an oral history from on April 5, 1978, Anderson discussed why and how he entered politics. He recounted his election as lieutenant governor at age 26 in 1938, his election as governor and campaigning at the dawn of the television age. He touched about many statewide elections, including his time serving under Minnesota Governor Gov. Harold Stassen, another rising young Republican. Anderson discussed when Stassen, in 1942, backed Edward Thye and Anderson lost his seat and his return as lieutenant governor in 1944 when Thye was governor. Anderson discussed when Minnesota Governor Luther Youngdahl resigned to become a federal judge in fall 1951, then becoming governor. Anderson won election in 1952 by defeating Orville Freeman and served one two-year term before losing to Freeman in 1954. After his service in statewide office, Anderson was elected mayor of Nisswa and Brainerd. Anderson talked about how government had become more complicated with increasing federal involvement. In addition, Anderson recounted how Brainerd grew and what attracted new residents to the area. During his tenure as Brainerd mayor, Anderson tackled the controversial issues of fluoride in drinking water and a nudity ban.

One tape

Biographical Information: Jerald C. Anderson was born in Sunrise, Minnesota, on April 2, 1934. His family relocated to North Branch in 1940. Anderson initially sought a career as a dentist, graduating from the University of Minnesota in 1959. In 1961, he opened his own dental practice in North Branch. Anderson later decided to become involved in Minnesota politics and was first elected into the Minnesota Senate as a member of the DFL in 1970. He won subsequent elections in 1972 and 1976. Anderson passed away on January 7, 2014.

Transcript Summary: In an interview conducted on October 17, 1977, Jerald Anderson discussed his early life and political career within Minnesota. Anderson said he originally studied to be a dentist, but later decided to become involved in state politics at the suggestion of his wife and several members in the North Branch community. Anderson described his personal political outlook as a conservative Democrat, one which he asserted was largely shared by his (predominantly Swedish Protestant) constituency in North Branch. Anderson also noted that much of his legislative interests concerned strengthening environmental protections, expanding green spaces throughout Minnesota, and funding public education. Lastly, Anderson acknowledged his position and its responsibilities sometimes limited the time that he could spend with his family. Nevertheless, he enjoyed working as a state senator, as it enabled him to regularly meet and interact with various people throughout Minnesota.

Interview conducted by John LeDoux.

Only summary of interview is available. [16743]

One tape. The two interviews appear on the same reel to reel tape.

https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/legpol_oh/8 [16744]

Biographical Information: George L. Angstman was born in West Union, Minnesota on May 2, 1900, and later relocated to Princeton with his family in 1904. Angstman attended the Northwest College of Law in Minneapolis from 1919 to 1923, and began practicing law, first in St. Paul and later in Mora. In 1926, Angstmann was elected as a county attorney, a position that he occupied intermittently for a total of sixteen years, before running for the Minnesota House of Representatives as a Republican in 1956. He was reelected in 1958. Angstman passed away on June 6, 1978.

Transcript Summary: In an interview conducted on July 30, 1973, George Angstman discussed his political career in Minnesota. Angstman said he originally became involved in local politics through his work as a county attorney, which later prompted him to seek a position in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Angstman mentioned much of his legislative career concerned the issue of re-apportionment, which he believed, contrary to many of his fellow rural Minnesotans, ought to be determined by population rather than location. Despite his conservative background, many of his staunchest supporters were liberal DFL Party members. Lastly, Angstman referenced the then-ongoing controversy surrounding Watergate, expressing his anger at how that incident had damaged the reputation of the United States from an international standpoint.

Interview conducted by Calvin Gower and John Waldron

One tape

https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/legpol_oh/6/ [13648]

Biographical information: Winston Borden was born on December 1, 1943, in Brainerd, Minnesota, and grew up on farm. He received a Bachelor of Arts with majors in social science and public address from St. Cloud State College in 1965 and a Master of Arts degree in government administration and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1968. Borden served in the Minnesota Senate representing Aitkin, Crow Wing, Kanabec and Morrison counties. As part of the liberal caucus then as a DFL’er, Borden was first elected in 1970 and served until 1978 (District 53, 1971-1972; District 13, 1973-1978). His district covered areas in Aitkin, Crow Wing, Kanabec, and Morrison counties. After his time in the state legislature, Borden practiced law. He married Betty Rae McRoberts. The couple has one child. Borden died on January 20, 2014.

Transcript summary: In an interview conducted on August 7, 1973, Borden recounted his interest in politics started in high school and continued through college at St. Cloud State where he was the president of State Young DFL club. He attended the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago and became a candidate for the state Senate in 1970. In that election, Borden defeated Gordon Rosenmeier, who was a member of the conservative caucus and had served since 1941. Borden campaigned on the issue of legislative reform that included roll call votes, verbatim notes, and open meetings in the Senate Rules Committee and conference committees. He also focused on corporate farming, tax lost farming, and gas tax rebates for agricultural production. In his first session, Borden authored the Minnesota Anti-Trust Act of 1971, which became law. He also supported the Emergency School Aid Bill that provided money to the more impoverished school districts. He authored a bill that established the Minnesota Cable Television Commission to regulate cable. The Commission on Personnel Bill provided a system for identifying the most talented public servants and educating them and upgrading their training for advancement. His bill provided the same death benefits for all Minnesota law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Borden authored a number of bills protecting natural resources and the environment including the Minnesota Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/legpol_oh/1/ [15545]

Biographical information: Bernard “B.J.” Brinkman was born June 8, 1926, in Farming, Minn., to Bernard and Theresa (Egerman) Brinkman. He married Viola Schouviller on Aug. 8, 1949. The couple had five children. A Democrat, Brinkman was first elected to the Minnesota state legislature in 1964 and served until 1986. He served as state representative for District 26 (1965-1966), District 26A (1967-1972), and District 16B (1973-1986). Although district boundaries changed over the years, he generally represented eastern and central Stearns County from just west of St. Cloud to Richmond. He also served as chairman of the Richmond, Minnesota, school board ca. 1960. Brinkman served in the US Navy from 1943-1945. Moving to Richmond in 1953, he was employed by Great Northern Railway from 1949 to 1958. He then owned and operated Brinky’s Liquor and Gas Station from 1957 to 1986. He died April 24, 2006.

Transcript summary: In an oral history interview conducted on July 12, 1973, B.J. Brinkman discussed growing up on a farm in Farming Township, his naval service in World War II and working at Great Northern Railway. His union activity while at Great Northern led to his involvement in politics and public service. When he first entered the Legislature in 1965, members were elected without party designation and caucused as liberals or conservatives. Brinkman was a Democrat in a strong Republican area but argued that the “man” was more important that the party. Although district boundaries changed over the years, he generally represented eastern and central Stearns County from just west of St. Cloud to Richmond, Minnesota. Brinkman recounted how he supported legislation to lower the beer brewer tax by 50 percent, which helped Cold Spring Brewing Company stay competitive with brewers from other states. He also supported no-fault auto insurance that among other benefits, aimed to lower insurance costs. In a heavily Catholic district, he also supported providing transportation for private school students. Minnesota state Representative for District 26 (1965-1966), District 26A (1967-1972), and District 16B (1973-1986) elected from the liberal caucus and representing Meeker, Morrison, Stearns, and Wright counties. Discusses political activities and family history. The legislative changes at the time are covered including party designation, open committees and the committee selection process. His work with the Steering Committee, Beer Bill, private school transportation, and no-fault insurance are covered, as well.

One tape

One tape

https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/legpol_oh/9 [16746]

Biographical Information: Douglas W. Carlson was born in Sandstone, Minnesota on November 1, 1939. Carlson originally studied veterinary medicine at the University of Minnesota throughout the 1960s (with a break between 1963 and 1964 for military service), before he decided to pursue a political career. Carlson was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1970 as a Republican, and coauthored several bills that were intended to loosen corporate influence over state agricultural practices and expand student loan opportunities for college freshmen. Carlson passed away on April 22, 2013.

Minnesota state Representative for District 25A (1971-1972), District 14A (1973-1974, 1977-1982), and District 14B (1983-1990) elected from the conservative caucus and representing Aitkin, Carlton, Chisago, Kanabec, Pine, and St. Louis counties.

Transcript Summary: In an interview conducted on July 30, 1973, Douglas Carlson discussed his life and political career in Minnesota. Carlson noted that he originally sought work as a veterinarian, but was later persuaded to run for the Minnesota House of Representatives at the request of members of the Sandstone community. Carlson said he considered himself more of a non-partisan conservative, and routinely voted in favor of policies proposed by DFL representatives which he believed to beneficial for his constituents. Nevertheless, he campaigned as a Republican at the behest of his traditionally Republican constituency. Carlson expressed disappointment that some of the legislation he coauthored was never fully implemented, such as a bill intended to curb the influence of large corporations within the agricultural industry. Nevertheless, Carlson enjoyed helping to develop his district as a state representative, and was proud of passing another bills which allocated around $30 million for student loans for low-income college freshmen.

Interview conducted by Calvin Gower and James Waldron

https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/legpol_oh/10 [16745]

Biographical Information: Florian Chmielewski was born on February 10, 1927, in Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota. After completing high school and briefly enlisting in the military, Chmielewski attended La Salle University for four years to study law. Following graduation, Chmielewski worked as a county commissioner for 10 years before successfully running for the Minnesota state Senate, in which he represented District 14 (previously 25) from 1970 to 1996. Chmielewski passed away on April 23, 2024.

Minnesota state Representative for District 25A (1971-1972), District 14A (1973-1992), and District 8 (1993-1996) elected from the liberal caucus and representing Aitkin, Carlton, Chisago, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine, Sherburne, and St. Louis counties.

Transcript Summary: In an interview conducted on July 30, 1973, Florian Chmielewski discussed his career as a member of the Minnesota state Senate. Chmielewski noted that he possessed an interest in politics from a young age, but was largely motivated to pursue political office by his father, who encouraged him to run for the position of county commissioner and later for his position in the state Senate. Chmielewski affirmed much of the legislation and committee work was dedicated to state transportation infrastructure like roads and highways. He said that while he belonged to the DFL caucus, he preferred to stay as non-partisan as possible to build goodwill with his colleagues. Likewise, Chmielewski noted that he enjoyed serving his community in the local legislature and expressed pride that its committee meetings and other dealings were open for public attendance.

Interview conducted by Calvin Gower and John Waldron

One tape

https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/legpol_oh/11 [16747]

Biographical Information: John Clawson was born on August 7, 1945, in St. Paul, Minnesota, and later relocated to nearby Bloomington with his family. Clawson possessed an interest in politics from a young age, which was spurred on by his work as a student journalist throughout high school and his collegiate studies of history, which he minored in, alongside majors in Latin and Greek. In 1974, at the encouragement of his family and friends, Clawson ran for and won the seat for District 19A in the Minnesota House of Representatives as a Democrat. He held this seat for the next 10 years. Clawson passed away on August 17, 2011.

Minnesota state Representative for District 19A (1975-1980) and District 19B (1981-1984) elected a DFL candidate and representing Anoka, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, and Pine counties.

Transcript Summary: In an interview conducted on October 4, 1977, John Clawson discussed his early life within Minnesota, as well as his career as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. Clawson said most of his family were originally Danish immigrants from Schleswig-Holstein, who migrated abroad to escape military conflict between Denmark and Prussia in 1864. In addition, his family had a tradition of political participation as one of his grandfathers served as a sergeant-at-arms in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Clawson described an interest in politics from a young age but never would have run for office himself if not for the encouragement of his family and friends. Clawson discussed part of his legislative record, most of which pertained to urban development, health and wellness, and judicial affairs, and described his personal ideological convictions, identifying himself as a “conservative” at heart, while also distinguishing his beliefs from those of more “reactionary” colleagues in the Republican Party.

Interview conducted by Calvin Gower and John LeDoux

One tape

https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/legpol_oh/12 [16748]

Biographical Information: Harold J. Dahl was born in Duluth, Minnesota on April 27, 1930. In 1952, Dahl graduated from Northwestern University to become an accountant, but later decided to transition to law. He worked as an attorney and law clerk in Duluth before relocating to Howard Lake in 1964 to start his own private practice. Dahl’s experiences as an elected attorney eventually motivated him to run for the Minnesota House of Representative, where he served District 22B between 1973 and 1977. Dahl passed away on February 20, 1989.

Minnesota state Representative for District 22B (1973-1978) elected from the Democratic-Farmer-Labor caucus and representing Hennepin, McLeod, Meeker, and Wright counties.

Transcript Summary: In an interview conducted on July 22, 1977, Harold J. Dahl discussed his political career as the Minnesota state Representative in District 22B. Dahl noted that he originally became politically involved through his work as an attorney in Duluth, where he was one of only a handful of Democrats present within the local judiciary throughout the 1960s. Dahl mentioned that throughout his tenure in the legislature, he was particularly active in committees concerned with health and welfare, appropriations, and local and urban affairs. Likewise, Dahl discussed some of the legislation that he was particularly proud of sponsoring including a bill which helped to allocate $8.3 million to pharmacies and nursing homes.

Interview conducted by Calvin Gower and James Robak

One 60 minute audio cassette.

Discusses personal background and education. Largely covers his participation in Rick Nolan's congressional campaigns in the 1970s and his position as Nolan's administrative assistant. DeChaine speculates on Nolan's motivations for not running in the 1980s and his own political plans. Only summary of interview is available.

One tape. The two interviews appear on the same reel to reel tape.

https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/legpol_oh/13 [16749]

Biographical Information: Benjamin “Pat” Faville DuBois Jr. was born on November 2, 1915, in Sauk Centre to Ben and Cecile (Gallapher) DuBois. He married Janet Steiner Dec. 29, 1938. The couple had two daughters. In 1940, he began working for the Independent Bankers Association, helping to expand membership to state surrounding Minnesota. DuBois served as the Independent Bankers Association president from 1966-1967. As a World War II veteran, DuBois was an officer in the family owned First State Bank, eventually moving to president and chairman of the board. Pat passed away on January 17, 2013, in Sauk Centre.

As part of the liberal caucus, DuBois represented western Stearns County in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1962-1968 (District 26, 1963-1966; District 26B, 1967-1968), where he was assistant DFL minority leader for the last two of his three terms.

Transcript Summary: In an oral history recorded July 5, 1973, DuBois discussed his personal history, political career and campaigns. DuBois worked in the family business, the First State Bank of Sauk Centre and was an assistant bank examiner for the state of Minnesota. After meeting Minnesota Governor Floyd B. Olson at the Stearns County Fair, DuBois became active in politics. Because of his growing role in politics, DuBois left the banking department and worked for the Independent Bankers Association. He ran for an open seat in the House of Representatives. After three terms, he was defeated in 1968 by Joseph Niehuas by 67 votes. In the Legislature, he served on the Tax and Fish and Game committees. He opposed the sales tax, which was eventually adopted. DuBois opposed a bill that provided for a tax on oleo margarine and the removal of the color ban. His district was made up of many dairy farmers much opposed to the invasion of oleo margarine and its use of a color additive. When it appeared the measure would pass, DuBois amended the bill to use some of the tax money collected for dairy research and development.

Interview conducted by John Waldron and Calvin Gower

One tape

https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/legpol_oh/14 [16751]

Biographical Information: Robert G. Dunn was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on January 25, 1923. Prior to his entry into local politics, Dunn originally attended Amherst College in Massachusetts, majoring in political science, and served in the Marine Corps during World War II and the Korean War. Through his later work in the lumber industry, Dunn became politically involved as the county chairman for the Republican Party in Princeton. In 1964, he sought and won a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives for District 28 (later 25B). He held this seat until 1972 when he won for District 18 seat in the Minnesota Senate. Dunn passed away on March 15, 2017.

Minnesota state Representative for District 28 (1965-1966) and District 25B (1967-1972) and state Senator from District 18 (1973-1980) elected from the conservative caucus and represented Benton, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Sherburne, and Wright counties.

Transcript Summary: In an interview conducted on August 9, 1973, Robert Dunn discussed his tenure as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives and Senate. Dunn noted that his interest in politics stemmed from a lifelong interest in staying up-to-date on current events and on matters of political policy, as well as due to his own family history of political activism. His grandfather served as a member of the State House, Senate, State Auditor, and a gubernatorial candidate. Dunn also mentioned that he first became directly involved in local politics through his work as a county chairman in Princeton for the Republican Party, an experience that later convinced him to run for the state House of Representatives in 1964, and the state Senate in 1972. Dunn spoke little about specific bills and policies that he endeavored to enact during his time in the Minnesota legislature, but acknowledged that his three primary interests as a legislator concerned environmental conservation, local government, and public education.

Interview conducted by John Waldron and Calvin Gower

One 60 minute audio cassette.

Minnesota state Representative for District 17B (1981-1992) and District 16B (1993-1994) elected as an Independent Republican and representing Benton, Sherburne, and Stearns counties. Discusses family history and personal background in politics.  The campaign of 1980 is extensively covered as well as political activity leading up to the campaign. Only summary of interview is available.

One tape

Biographical information: Fred Hughes was born on June 19, 1908, in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, to Francis and Anna (Agnew) Hughes. He was a graduate of St. John’s University and the University of Minnesota Law School. He was a former member of the Minnesota State Board of Tax Appeals and of numerous local and state boards and commissions. He headed the Hungarian Relief Committee for Minnesota in 1956. In 1938, Hughes worked in the campaign and administration of Minnesota Governor. Harold Stassen. In 1942, he ran unsuccessfully in the Republican Primary for US House Sixth District. He served on the University of Minnesota Board of Regents for 12 years starting in 1961. He married Valaira M. Spaniol on October 24, 1934. Hughes died on December 7, 1999, in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

Transcript summary: Fred Hughes was interviewed on February 22, 1977. Hughes recounted his early work as a customer service representative going door-to-door for Northern States Power Co. and his political work with Republican Harold Stassen. In his early years, Hughes identified as a Democrat but switched to supporting the Republican Party and Stassen. Hughes discussed antisemitism and its effect on Minnesota politics in the 1940s and 1950s. Hughes’ recalled his only political campaign came in 1942 when he ran unsuccessfully in the Republican primary against Harold Knutson in the Sixth Congressional District. Hughes touched upon his time as a regent at the University of Minnesota as well as other political races at the state and local levels.

One tape

Minnesota state Senator for District 27 (1965-1966) and District 51 (1967-1972) elected from the conservative caucus and representing Benton, Sherburne, and Stearns counties. Discusses personal family history and his entrance into politics.  Covers the legislative process and some of the experiences with particular bills, for example, on education.

One tape

Biographical information: John T. Kosloske was born Dec. 12, 1907, in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, to John Sr. and Wilhelmina (Radomski) Kosloske. He married Marcella House on Sept. 1, 1936 in Austin, Minnesota. Kosloske was Justice of the Peace in Sauk Rapids for more than 20 years, census supervisor in 1970, and served in the Minnesota House of Representatives District 45 from 1949-1954. District 45 represented portions of Benton and Sherburne counties. He was also mayor of Sauk Rapids from 1966-1967. Kosloske was employed by Burlington Northern Railroad for 28 years and he was a State Farm insurance agent for 34 years. He died on February 4, 2004, in Sartell, Minnesota.

Transcript summary: In an oral history recorded March 18, 1974, John T. Kosloske recalled his election as Justice of the Peace when he was 21 and six years as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. Kosloke ran with the “liberal label at a time when candidates ran without party affiliation. While in the Legislature, Kosloske discussed how a state budget deficit was covered by raising the cigarette tax. He worked to keep license plate manufacturing at the St. Cloud Reformatory instead of moving the work to a union shop in the Twin Cities while opposing party designation because a voter could not split a ticket in a primary election. Kosloske discussed why opposed open committee meetings and favored keeping the bi-cameral Legislature.

These oral histories were predominantly done in the 1970s with half conducted in 1973. Some date from the 1980s and early 1990s.  The majority of the interviews are with state legislators and the remaining are with mayors, city councilmen, campaign managers, party managers, widows of politicians, and US Congressmen.  All of the participants were men except three (who were widows) and represented Central Minnesota communities ranging from Sandstone to Brainerd to those locations just north of the Twin Cities.

With some variance, all participants were asked similar questions including personal and family history in Minnesota, early political interests and activities, committee assignments, sponsored bills, the campaign and election process, the legislative process, and their future plans in politics.  Unique questions were asked of individuals as the interview unfolded.  Certain political issues that were significant in the early 1970s are common topics including new party designation requirements, lengths of terms, legislator salaries, and the impact of Nixon’s landslide victory in 1972 on local elections.  The Watergate scandal is also discussed in several interviews.

Since the legislators’ service collectively goes back to 1935, the changes in the atmosphere, organization, and membership of the legislature are discussed in several oral histories.  Many of the interviews reference other participants in this oral history collection. For many, the interview often took place at the beginning or middle of their political careers.

Brief biographical sketches and interview notes are given for all participants.  Type of office, terms of service, and constituency represented are also listed.  Transcripts of interviews are available unless otherwise noted below.

Some interviews were actually transcribed. The typewritten transcripts were keyed into a Word document but have not been checked against the audio. Past experiences has suggested that the transcripts may not be complete. In the meantime, the transcripts are available here as PDFs.